Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Leonardo AW09 composite single-engine helicopter

Matt Thurber

Leonardo’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-02-12/production-aw09-leading-flight-testing-program">AW09</a> is a step closer to entry into service after EASA granted type certification for the Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2K that powers the light-single helicopter.
According to Safran, the 1,000-shp-class engine has dual-channel Fadec and an engine auxiliary control box that reduces pilot workload. A two-stage compressor comprising one axial and one centrifugal stage “delivers high compressor efficiency in a particularly compact package,” the French manufacturer said, while the “annular combustion chamber ensures clean and efficient fuel combustion.”
Safran has manufactured more than 15,500 Arriel engines for 40 different helicopter types, and these have amassed more than 66 million flight hours. Bench testing of the Arriel 2K started in 2022, and it first flew on the AW09 in March 2023. It has logged more than 4,100 test hours and 600 in flight.
“The certification of the Arriel 2K marks another defining step towards the entry into service of the AW09,” Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet commented. “All the teams at Safran Helicopter Engines are ready to support Leonardo and its customers in bringing this brand-new helicopter into service.”

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

EASA Certifies Safran's Arriel 2K Engine for Leonardo AW09 Helicopter

Turboshaft has flown more than 600 hours after first flight in March 2023

The Arriel 2K is in the 1,000-shp class, and it is equipped with dual-channel Fadec and an engine auxiliary control box designed to reduce pilot workload.

EASA Issues Type Certificate for AW09 Arriel 2K Engine

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Deadline of Dec. 31, 2030 may have to be moved if a suitable fuel isn't available

FAA’s Rocheleau Admits Unleaded Avgas Timeline May Slip

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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Canada Could Keep Gripen Engine Work at Home

Cristofer Slotoroff

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Lessor books up to 520 powerplants

BOC Aviation Locks In Engines for Narrowbody Orders

Agreement covers engine maintenance for the Aer Lingus Regional operator’s ATR 72-600 fleet through 2030

Emerald Airlines Signs P&WC Engine Mx Deal

Kerry Lynch

Ground test beginning on flight-standard hybrid propulsion system

P&WC Steps into Next Phase of Hybrid-electric Testing

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

In this article

Leonardo AW09

Safran Helicopter Engines

Leonardo

More In Engines

FAA’s Rocheleau Admits Unleaded Avgas Timeline May Slip

Deadline of Dec. 31, 2030 may have to be moved if a suitable fuel isn't available

Sikorsky and Safran Pledge Increased Collaboration

Proposal promises accelerated engine innovation

Canada Could Keep Gripen Engine Work at Home

GE and Magellan sign F414 support agreement

BOC Aviation Locks In Engines for Narrowbody Orders

Lessor books up to 520 powerplants

Emerald Airlines Signs P&WC Engine Mx Deal

Agreement covers engine maintenance for the Aer Lingus Regional operator’s ATR 72-600 fleet through 2030

P&WC Steps into Next Phase of Hybrid-electric Testing

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